Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is a relatively new form of talking therapy with a growing evidence base which showsbenefits for clinical and non clinical populations. CFT has been developed to be used in group work as well as individual therapy with a number of mental health issues including anxiety, depression and trauma.

About the tutor

Antonietta DiCaccavo PhD, is a lecturer at the University of the West of England where she teaches students on the Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology. She has taught students on psychology and counselling courses at UK universities for over twenty years, including professional doctorate in counselling psychology, masters in CBT and diploma in counselling. Antonietta has trained with key figures in the development of CFT, including Paul Gilbert, Kristin Neff and Deborah Lee. She is an HCPC accredited Practitioner Counselling Psychologist, a full member of the BPS division of counselling psychology, and a fully accredited BABCP Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist. She has worked with adults and children in the NHS and now currently sees clients in private practice using compassion focused therapy

Entry requirements

The workshop is intended for those working in mental health contexts (psychologists, counsellors, social workers, OTs, mental health nurses), either as qualified practitioners or trainees.

Content

The objective of the workshop is to provide an introduction to the theory and practice of CFT. The workshop is designed for those who are new to CFT. No prior knowledge or experience of using CFT is expected.

During the morning, attendees will learn about the key aspects of CFT including its philosophical underpinnings, attributes of compassionate mind and fear of compassion.

In the afternoon, attendees will be introduced to common CTF exercises that they might use with clients and have the opportunity to practise these themselves (so learning from the inside out).

By the end of the workshop, attendees will have a clear idea of what CFT is and be able to use some CFT approaches in their client work and personal practice.

The workshop would meet the need for CPD which is required by accrediting bodies and those registered by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) e.g. British Psychological Society (BPS), British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies(BABCP).